A 42-year-old man suspected of murder and six other individuals have been arrested by the police over a fatal stabbing and the alleged burning of a village head’s house and vehicle in Akwa Ibom State.
The incident occurred on November 2, 2026, in Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area. The police said the matter was reported in the early hours of November 3 by a concerned individual.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to preliminary investigations, the incident started following a disagreement between the principal suspect, Ifiok Akpan, and the deceased, identified as Ukeme Jonah, over the sharing of family money.
During the argument, Akpan allegedly attacked Jonah with a broken bottle, leaving him with a serious injury to his abdomen.
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The victim was reportedly taken to a hospital for treatment but later died from the injury.
Following his death, his body was taken to the compound of the village head. However, some individuals allegedly retaliated by setting the village head’s residence on fire and destroying his Toyota 4Runner vehicle.
The police said officers subsequently tracked down and arrested Akpan at his hideout.
In a separate operation conducted at about 11:45 a.m. on November 3, six additional suspects were arrested over their alleged involvement in the arson.
The suspects were identified as Godwin Sunday, 42; Francis Dominic, 28; Julius Archibong, 52; Kingsley Ukeme, 23; Paulinus Bede, 28; and Udeme Tommy, 40.
All six are reportedly from Ukana Mbak Ukot Village in Odoro Ikot Clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson added that the deceased’s remains had been deposited in a mortuary for an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Azare, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident to uncover what happened and ensure that anyone found responsible faces the law.
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